Graphs are particularly useful because they make changes in network performance easy to see. In this example, the 60 GHz signal-strength graph shows a relatively stable signal around -60 to -63 dBm before the Wave Pro radio was realigned. After the realignment, the signal suddenly moves to approximately -35 dBm and remains considerably stronger. That represents an improvement of roughly 27 dB, which is a HUGE change in received signal level. Rather than simply saying that the alignment "seemed better," the graph provides measurable evidence that the change had a positive effect.
Using data before making a network change is just as important as measuring afterward. Establishing a baseline gives you something to compare against and helps prevent misleading conclusions. The key here is to document your methodology and tools used. For example, wireless signal levels can change because of weather, interference, environmental conditions, reflections, or changes at the other end of the link. If you record the signal for a reasonable period before making an adjustment and then continue monitoring it afterward, you can determine whether the improvement is consistent rather than simply the result of a temporary fluctuation.
This approach is useful far beyond wireless antenna alignment. Network administrators can use graphs and monitoring data to evaluate changes involving Wi-Fi coverage, interference, wired performance, latency, packet loss, throughput, CPU utilization, memory usage, and many other network metrics. A before-and-after comparison creates a simple troubleshooting process: measure the original condition, make one controlled change, and measure the result. If performance improves, the data supports the conclusion that the change was beneficial. If performance does not improve, the measurements can help determine what should be investigated next.
The biggest advantage of using data is that it turns network troubleshooting from guesswork into a repeatable process. In the Wave Pro example, the graph provides a clear visual record showing that the radio's signal strength improved substantially after the realignment. Keeping these graphs as part of your network documentation can also be valuable later when troubleshooting the same link or explaining why a particular configuration was chosen.
If you cannot measure the result, it is difficult to know with confidence whether a network change actually worked, or caused another problem.
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